How many rivalries can say they started with an actual war?
As Becky Jacobs of The Mirror Newspapers noted, the feud between Ohio and Michigan actually began with the Toledo War in 1835, which was a border dispute over a strip of land that included Toledo. President Andrew Jackson even had to get involved to end the spat.
Now Ohio State and Michigan continue the battle on the football field and basketball court every year, and the Buckeyes and Wolverines will lace it up for the second time this season Sunday. It is a critical contest for an Ohio State squad looking to finish in second place in the Big Ten and a Michigan squad just looking for a win.
With that in mind, here are a few keys for the Buckeyes if they hope to come away with their second victory in as many tries against the hated Wolverines this season.
Fast Start
There are few teams in the country reeling as much as Michigan right now.
The Wolverines have lost five in a row and six of seven, including a blowout loss on Tuesday to their other rival, Michigan State. A quick start for Ohio State would reinforce the notion that the Wolverines are overmatched in this contest and likely bring the intensity level of the crowd down as well.
The Buckeyes handled the Wolverines by 19 points in the first matchup, and a fast start would bring those memories back for those in maize and blue and likely impact the confidence of the players on the floor. It would also help the Buckeyes get over their…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Basketball: Keys to Beating Michigan in Rivalry Showdown
